We strongly advise you to take any new or used car you’re thinking about buying for a test drive. It’s the only way to find out for sure if the car works for your needs, and you like how it feels to drive. If you don’t try before you buy, you could end up making an expensive mistake. But how do you do it?
In this guide, we’re going to talk you through how to conduct a thorough test drive of any car. It’s not difficult, doesn’t have to take long and, at the end of it, you should know for sure whether you like the car or not. A test drive also helps you assess the mechanical condition of a used car – we’ll cover how to do that as well.
Before setting off on a test drive
Everyone who’s going to drive the car regularly needs an opportunity to test it. It’s best everyone goes at the same time – used cars may be sold before there’s another opportunity. Also take the kids and/or dog with you – their opinion matters, as well.
Next, make sure everyone’s insured. Dealers have their own insurance but will need a photocopy of your driving license card, and possibly a DVLA license check for which your National Insurance Number and postcode are needed. Dealers are bound by data protection laws, so your information should be safe with them.
If the car you’re testing is being sold privately, make sure your own insurance covers it. If not, the most the cost-effective solution is to get temporary insurance on your prospective purchase.
Getting comfortable behind the wheel
Before you get going, it’s crucial every driver can get comfortable behind the wheel, adjusting the seat, steering wheel and mirrors to their liking – which can be difficult if they’re very different heights. If one driver can’t get comfortable, see out properly, or feels like the car is too big or small from the driver’s seat, it’s best to move onto the next option.
Go the distance
In Parkers’ experience, it takes at least half an hour or 10 miles to form a decent opinion about a car. Dealers usually have a preferred route – useful if you’re in unfamiliar territory. If that route isn’t long enough for you to get to grips with the car, do ask to go further – most dealers/sellers are amenable.
How does the car feel?
A car sends a lot of subtle signals as you drive. It’s all about the how car feels – the weight and responsiveness of the steering, how smooth the ride is, how responsive the engine is, and so on. Drive the car as you normally would, on the kind of roads you usually use, and you should be able to work out pretty quickly whether or not you like the driving experience. If you’re not sure, it’s best to move onto the next option – it may make more of an impact.
With used cars, an individual car’s condition can have a big bearing on how it feels to drive. You may not like one example but do like another. If you don’t like either, you’re just not vibing with that particular model.
Try the gadgets out on the move
The features and functions of many cars are now controlled through a touchscreen infotainment system. They can be quite hard to use while stationary, never mind while driving. A test drive is an opportunity to make sure you’re comfortable using the system on the move.
Many cars also have safety features such as lane keeping assist and speed limit warning. It’s entirely possible you won’t like the interventions, but most of them can be turned off.
Assessing the condition of a car
You should always carry out a thorough visual inspection of any used you’re thinking about buying to assess its condition. A test drive can also tell you a lot about how healthy a car is, and you don’t need to be a mechanic to know what’s what.
Listen for clonks, scrapes, squeaks and any other untoward noises that could indicate a problem with the suspension or brakes. If the clutch and brake pedals and gear lever don’t feel right, there could be issues there. Further problems can be marked by the steering pulling to one side or feeling unresponsive. Do an emergency stop to see if the car pulls up straight and true. Accelerate from 10, 20, 30mph and so on to see if the engine pulls cleanly. Look for excessive exhaust smoke.
If you have any doubts, move onto the next option. If you’re not confident about assessing the car’s health yourself, have an independent inspection carried out – the AA and RAC offer that service.
Make sure everyone’s on the same page
Different people can have diametrically opposed opinions about a car and, if yours will have multiple drivers, it’s entirely possible you won’t all agree on them. Talk through each car in detail to find out what everyone did and didn’t like about it. If someone thinks they don’t have an opinion, asking questions can help them form one. Hopefully you’ll find a car everyone loves; if not, you’ll have to reach a compromise. A second test drive can help conclude the negotiations.
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